Can a professional trucker driver carry a gun?

Answer 1

There is nothing in the FMCSR addressing it. However, no company is going to allow it. For one, firearms laws vary between states. Additionally, many customers will have a policy prohibiting the possession of firearms on their property.

Answer 2

There is a popular myth that federal law prohibits firearms from being in a CMV. However, this is simply a myth, and nothing more. If anyone tells you that it's against federal law, ask them to cite the chapter and paragraph of the FMCSR which they're referring to - they won't be able to, because there's nothing in the FMCSR about it.

Trucking companies are the ones who impose "no firearms" policies on their drivers. The actual laws pertaining to transporting a firearm in any other type of vehicle are the ones which dictate how one is to be transported in a CMV. The driver is responsible for adhering to all such laws in whichever jurisdiction they're driving through at any given time.

Added: As pointed out above by my colleague, the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations apparently do NOT specifically address this subject. However, as he further alludes, there is a plethora of both federal and state laws which govern WHO is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm, and under what circumstances they may possess them. Interstate drivers, in particular would have to be VERY cognizant of the laws of the states through which they transit and, even if licensed/permitted to carry concealed in their own state of residence, whether or not any other states grant them reciprocity to do so when within their state.